Steve Israel: New year likely to bring more fracking debates

The state has spent more than four years trying to develop regulations for fracking. It's received more than 80,000 public comments on those regulations.

Steve Israel

The state has spent more than four years trying to develop regulations for fracking. It's received more than 80,000 public comments on those regulations.

Will 2013 be the year we get the final word when — or if — fracking will be allowed in the state? After all, the regulations are supposed to be finalized in February, with the completion of a health-impact study.

If the past four years are any indication, I wouldn't hold my breath,Every time the finish line seems in sight, it moves further away. Just check out what the state's two top decision makers said this year: In February, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a decision on the horizontal natural gas extraction method of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, would be made "in a couple of months."

It's possible, he said, that "an extremely limited number of fracking permits could be issued this year." But even if the state does make a final decision, it will most certainly be challenged by lawsuits.

That's one thing folks on both sides of the issue have agreed on — when the process started more than four years ago, and when I recently asked them.

"It's a virtual certainty," said Kate Sinding, a senior attorney of the powerful National Resources Defense Council.

"That is absolutely obvious," said Pennsylvania's Mike Uretsky, a pro-drilling member of a task force established by the National Petroleum Council at the request of Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

It's a big week for fracking on the big screen.

Hollywood's much hyped anti-fracking movie, "Promised Land," opened in New York City Friday. But folks around here will have to wait until next week to see stars like Matt Damon, John Krasinski and Ulster County's Frances McDormand in the film that portrays the battle over gas drilling.

It's scheduled to open Friday at the Downing Film Center in Newburgh and the AMC Loews Palisades Center 21 in Nyack.

"Promised Land" may have stars like Damon, Krasinski and McDormand, but the new pro-fracking documentary, "FrackNation," which opens briefly a week from Monday in New York City, features a few local folks — like outspoken Callicoon dairy farmer and fracking supporter Bill Graby. He's one of those interviewed in the film that will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Chelsea Cinema in New York City. It makes its national debut at 9 p.m. Jan. 22 on AXS TV

As we enter 2013, here's where municipalities in the mid-Hudson stand on fracking.